After threats by Iran that it could shut the most important oil transit channel in the world, if Western governments stop it from selling crude, Kuwait’s emir and other Gulf leaders have sought assurances that Tehran will not follow through with the threats.

“(We) have contacted officials in Iran to ensure that no action is taken to close the Strait of Hormuz,” according an English version of his remarks to Japanese press distributed by Kuwait state news agency KUNA. “We have received assurances from Iran that it will not take this step,” the emir said during a visit to Japan, one of the Gulf oil exporter’s biggest customers.

Kuwait produces 3 million barrels a day from its fields and ships it all through the Strait of Hormuz.